What does it really mean to go big?
For some, it means climbing the corporate ladder or building a billion-dollar company. For Daniel Houghton, going big has meant something different—trusting creative instincts, pursuing purpose over prestige, and building a life driven by curiosity, courage, and conviction.
Daniel’s journey started not in a boardroom, but behind a camera. He fell in love with storytelling through photojournalism—capturing the world not just as it was, but as it felt. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, he pursued a path in media, landing jobs that fed his creative side but didn’t yet hint at the explosive future ahead.
Then came the pivot.
Without a big title or business plan, Daniel started a side project—iPhone Photo of the Day—that unexpectedly went viral, pulling hundreds of thousands of visitors to a humble blog built out of sheer passion. That project caught the eye of a major investor, and within 18 months, Daniel found himself stepping into the role of CEO of Lonely Planet—at just 24 years old.
It was a moment most people dream about. But the reality was far from easy. Lonely Planet, once the crown jewel of travel publishing, was losing ground fast. Book sales were plummeting. Bookstores were shuttering. The digital revolution had left the brand scrambling to keep up.
Daniel walked in with no executive experience, no MBA, and no roadmap. But what he did have was clarity, conviction—and the courage to go big.
He led with simplicity. He listened more than he talked. He cleared out old leadership that clung to the past and promoted young talent hidden in the ranks—including an unpaid intern who would go on to lead a global social media strategy that helped grow Lonely Planet’s digital audience by millions.
He didn’t chase growth for growth’s sake. He refused to pour money into advertising, choosing instead to grow organically, with content that mattered and a brand people trusted.
And then, when the time was right, he walked away. Because going big isn’t just about taking on massive challenges—it’s also about knowing when to pivot again.
Today, Daniel is building something new: The Travel Library—a growing, curated database of editorial travel content, national park guides, and destination recommendations from someone who has logged over 2 million miles and visited more than 35 countries. It’s personal, thoughtful, ad-free, and built with one goal in mind: to help more people experience the magic of going beyond their comfort zone.
The Travel Library isn’t just a project. It’s a mission. It’s Daniel’s way of saying that travel isn’t about the photo—it’s about the transformation. It’s about seeing a different part of the world, and in the process, seeing a different part of yourself.
His book, Wherever You Go, reflects the same philosophy. It’s filled with stories—some high-profile, some deeply personal—all of them aimed at one goal: reminding us that travel, like life, is better when we don’t play it safe.
Daniel’s approach to going big is humble. He’s not chasing headlines. He’s chasing depth—in experience, in leadership, in family, and in meaning. Whether he’s skiing off the grid, traveling cross-country with his young family in their Airstream, or capturing stunning photography along the way, Daniel is living proof that a bold life doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be intentional.
So what does it mean to go big?
It means starting before you feel ready.
It means trusting your gut—even when it goes against conventional wisdom.
It means making room for others to shine.
It means taking the trip—even when the plan changes at the gate.
It means building something that lasts because it’s rooted in truth, not trends.
And it means remembering that you don’t go big alone. You go big with people who believe in you. With mentors who listen. With collaborators who challenge you. With friends who say “Why not?” when the world says “Why?”
If you’re looking for inspiration to live a life with more story, more discovery, and more heart, Daniel Houghton is someone worth watching—and learning from.
Because going big doesn’t always mean going far. It means going deep into the things that matter most.
To explore more of Daniel’s work, visit danielhoughton.com
There, you’ll find free destination guides, a travel newsletter, and curated content through The Travel Library.
Wherever you go, go boldly. Go fully. And most of all—go big.
